WELCOME TO Sumter

The ideal location for homes for sale is Sumter SC! Located in South Carolina’s Backcountry, Sumter spans 681 square miles of both town and country. They say Sumter is “in the middle of everything” because there is truly nothing you could be missing. The city is a major hub for industry, business and finance and features many historic homes, excellent schools, and entertainment and cultural opportunities.

Sumter SC Homes for Sale

The city of Sumter derives its name from General Thomas Sumter, the “Fighting Gamecock” of the American Revolution. It is a quick 45 minute drive to the University of South Carolina fighting gamecocks in Columbia. Myrtle Beach is located 100 miles east of Sumter while the Blue Ridge Mountains are 175 miles west.

Sumter is the county seat of Sumter County and forms the core of the Sumter-Lee-Clarendon tri-county area. This charming and historic city has a current residential population of approximately 40,000 and boasts a diverse community consisting of deeply rooted families, newcomers, retirees, members of Shaw Air Force base, and students and faculty from Morris College, a small liberal arts school.

Sumter offers residents all the benefits of an urban community while still maintaining its small-town charm. The town features homes in all sizes and architectural styles from modern condos to luxury estates. The downtown historic district is currently being studied for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and features many fine historic homes.

Sumter Schools

Sumter School District and a plethora of private schools provide above and beyond service for the children of Sumter. Schools in the area have received national recognition as Blue Ribbon Schools, and each public school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the State Department of Education. In addition, several colleges and universities are located in and around Sumter, including:

Morris College

Central Carolina Technical College

University of South Carolina – Sumter

Saint Leo University – Shaw Air Force Base

Troy University – Shaw Air Force Base

Webster University – Shaw Air Force Base

Sumter Activities

Sumter’s Swan Lake/Iris Gardens is the only public park that is home to all eight species of swan. This local gem has a stunning array of floral attractions displayed over 150 acres and is known as one of the finest botanical gardens in the United States. The park hosts the Iris Festival annually, which is the oldest festival in the state. Other festivals are held here throughout the year including an Earth Day celebration and a Fantasy of Lights display during the holiday season.

Sumter is also a place with bountiful hunting and fishing on its extensive land and the very accessible Santee Cooper Lakes. Other wonderful locations for outdoor pursuits in the area include:

Manchester State Forest

Poinsett State Park

South Carolina Palmetto Trail

The Lynches River

Woods Bay State Natural Area

High Hills of the Santee Passage

Sumter doesn’t lack an urban tinge however with a thriving downtown district. There are generous options for shopping and dining that always leave residents with something to do. The crown jewel of downtown Sumter is the Sumter Opera House which presents vintage movies, concerts and ballet performances. The Sumter County Cultural Center also hosts performances throughout the year and is home to the Sumter County Gallery of Art.